progol

I'm in the very early stages of planning a trip to Andalucia, a place my husband and I have wanted to go to for some time. Right now, I'd like to determine when the best time for us to go. I can go between January and early May (have teaching obligations the rest of the year).

I'm not concerned right now about the itinerary, though we will have about 2 1/2 - 3 weeks to travel, and I plan on a pretty typical visit, with Seville, Granada, Cordoba, the white villages, and perhaps Malaga. Also thinking about 2-3 days in Madrid and/or a day trip to Toledo (Madrid is not our focus for this trip).

I don't need to go swimming and I want to avoid the big festivals like Semana Santa and the feria de Sevilla to avoid crowds. I would also like to travel when there is pleasant weather - ideally, 60s-70s instead of 80s-90s, although we are fine with it being a little cooler. I also want to avoid extra hotel charges for staying during festivals.

Given the dates for the feria and Semana Santa next year (Semana Santa begins March 29 in 2015), it looks like anytime in March or mid-April would be fine. What is the weather like in February or March? How much worse would the crowds be between in April between the 2 major celebrations?

I'm inclined toward March to avoid crowds, but mid-April for the nicer weather - any thoughts?

I know it's early, but I'd like to get an idea of time frame before I carve out the itinerary.

Thanks!
Paule

kimhe

Sevilla takes a deep breath between Semana Santa and the Feria de Abril, so before or after Feria de Abril would be my suggestion. Spring is here, the summer heat is normally several weeks away and the crowds wouldn't be too bad. February and March can be pretty chilly in Andalucía in general.

Weather statistics for Sevilla in mid April past seventeen years says average highs about 75F and night lows at 52F. Málaga along the coast has an average high at 72F and night lows at some 55F (wetteronline.de)

Mid February Sevilla statistics: Highs 62-64F and night lows at 44F.

Mid March Sevilla statistics: Highs 70-75F and night lows at 48-52F.

Much sun, but expect more rainfall in February than March and April.

progol

Thanks, Kimhe,
I've been reading many trip reports, and you are an amazing source of information and recommendations. I know it's early, but I do like having a sense of when we will be traveling. I think early May sounds ideal and will try to arrange my trip then.
Paule

progol

Make that the end of April into May! Perfect!

kimhe

Then be aware that the Cruces de Mayo/May crosses is celebrated throughout Andalucía in late April/early May. A very local festival steeped in tradition and could be a great intro to the region, the culture, the food, the wine and the festive spirit: http://www.spanish-fiestas.com/festi...ruces-de-mayo/
http://www.andalucia.com/festival/maycrosses.htm

progol

That sounds perfect, kimhe. When I start solidifying my plans, I'll look into including this as part if our trip..